HARRISBURG -- The Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Northwestern Pennsylvania Tobacco Control Program are launching a new smoking cessation campaign targeting expectant mothers who smoke.
According to state health officials, more than 25 percent of pregnant women in northwestern Pennsylvania smoke cigarettes. The new pilot program from the state health department aims to change that statistic.
Video:
Watch Amber Nicotra's Report"It's very difficult. Many of the women who are smoking during pregnancy have multiple other psychosocial problems, maybe concerning where rent is coming from," said Cindy Thomas, of Tobacco Free Allegheny.
According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to face complications like pre-term labor, premature child birth and babies with low birth weights, which increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
The program and resources will be promoted through the media and convenience store posters.
"What we're seeing in Allegheny is a whole of 18 percent," said Thomas. "We see a range within different municipalities, anywhere from about 22 percent to about 38 percent in Mount Oliver."
For more information, smokers can call the Free Quitline, 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit
www.DeterminedToQuit.com.
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